A total lunar eclipse is painting the moon blood red tonight as over 7 billion people across Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe witness one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events. The dramatic transformation, occurring when Earth passes directly between the sun and moon, will last for an unusually long 82 minutes of totality from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT (17:30 to 18:52 GMT).
Global Spectacle Reaches Billions
According to astronomers, this lunar eclipse represents one of the most widely visible astronomical events of 2025, with approximately 85% of the world’s population positioned to observe at least part of the phenomenon. The total eclipse sequence runs from 11:28 a.m. EDT to 4:55 p.m. EDT (15:28 to 20:55 GMT), providing prime viewing opportunities across multiple continents.
Asia and Western Australia enjoy the complete spectacle, while much of Europe and Africa will witness the moon already in totality as it rises. Countries including India, China, Japan, South Africa, and regions across Europe have optimal viewing conditions during the event. “Japan last witnessed a total lunar eclipse in November 2022,” according to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, making this particularly anticipated for Japanese skywatchers.
Scientific Wonder Behind the Red Glow
The blood moon’s distinctive crimson appearance results from Rayleigh scattering, the same atmospheric phenomenon that creates red sunsets. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, shorter blue wavelengths scatter while longer red wavelengths bend around the planet to illuminate the lunar surface. “This filtered light is what illuminates the Moon during the total eclipse, making it appear red, orange, or even copper-coloured,” explains the Times of India.
The eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee, its closest point to Earth, causing the moon to appear slightly larger than usual and adding to the spectacle. Astronomers predict the moon will display a particularly rich, dark red hue as it sits deep within Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of our planet’s shadow.
Americas Miss the Show
Unfortunately, most of North America will experience daylight during the eclipse, making observation impossible without online broadcasts. Only parts of northwestern Alaska and western Canada might catch a glimpse near moonset. For American viewers, the next opportunity to witness a blood moon will arrive on March 2-3, 2026, when a total lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America.
Multiple astronomy organizations, including the Virtual Telescope Project and NASA-affiliated observatories, are providing free live streams for those unable to view the eclipse directly.
Summary
• A total lunar eclipse is occurring today (September 7, 2025), creating a dramatic blood moon visible to over 7 billion people across Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe.
• The eclipse features an unusually long 82 minutes of totality from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT, with the complete event lasting from 11:28 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. EDT.
• The moon’s deep red color results from Earth’s shadow filtering sunlight, allowing only red wavelengths to reach the lunar surface while scattering blue light.
• The eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee (closest point to Earth), making the moon appear slightly larger and enhancing the spectacle.
• Most of North America will miss the event due to daylight hours, with only parts of northwestern Alaska and western Canada potentially catching a glimpse.
Why it matters
This rare celestial event connects 85% of humanity in shared wonder, demonstrating our planet’s cosmic position while advancing public interest in astronomy. The eclipse’s exceptional duration and global visibility make it a defining astronomical moment of 2025.